Facts on the Tenor Saxophone
The tenor saxophone, or tenor sax, is the most common type of saxophone that exists. Over the decades, it has become a mainstay in several musical genres, particularly jazz and big band recordings. Its distinctive shape and sound has also contributed to the instrument’s popularity around the world.
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Characteristics
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Tenor saxophones are characterized by their wide body made from a conical tube of thin metal, commonly brass. They have 18 to 21 tone-holes of graduated size controlled by keys, and two additional keys at the mouthpiece, which is commonly made of ebonite.
Shape
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The tenor sax has its distinctive shape for convenience purposes. Introducing a U-bend and tilting the bend slightly forward made the instrument more manageable. Other types of saxophone, like the B flat soprano saxophone, have a straight design, while others, like the baritone E flat sax, are even longer than the tenor sax and have an additional fold at the upper end.
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Types of Saxophones
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B flat tenor saxophones are the most common and popular, but are by no means the only type of sax. The E flat alto saxophone follows the tenor sax in terms of popularity, while other members of the saxophone family include the sopranino in E flat, soprano in B flat, baritone in E flat and bass in B flat.
History
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Adolphe Sax (1814-94) patented the saxophone, building upon ideas first used by a Scotsman named William Meikle. The saxophone first became known in French infantry music before gaining favor among various military bands in England and later in America. By the beginning of the 20th century, the instrument became a fixture in modern symphony orchestras.
Players
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The tenor sax became particularly popular in jazz after World War I, and some of its most celebrated exponents have played primarily in this genre. These include notable names like Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane, Stan Getz and Branford Marsalis.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit saxophone image by TEA from Fotolia.com
